Chum Salmon
Oncorhynchus keta
Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) are an anadromous Pacific salmon that spend most of their lives in the ocean and return to coastal rivers to spawn. They are best known for their tall spawning jaws and bold banding, and they are a key species in North Pacific fisheries.
Identification points
- Spawning males develop a very prominent hooked snout and a deep, squared jaw.
- Body shows bold vertical red, purple, or olive bars on a darker background in spawning fish.
- Caudal fin has many distinct small black spots, unlike the cleaner tail of some other salmon.
Habitat
Marine waters of the North Pacific, especially coastal and nearshore areas, then large rivers, lower river reaches, and gravel-bottom spawning streams during their spawning run.
Bait notes
In saltwater, anglers use herring, shrimp, small spoons, spinners, and flies; in rivers, cured salmon roe, shrimp, beads, yarn, and pink/orange presentations are effective. Match local regulations, since many runs are managed by season and gear restrictions.
Behavior
Feeding in saltwater is opportunistic, taking crustaceans, small fish, and other prey; adults usually stop feeding once they enter freshwater and migrate on stored energy. During spawning they move steadily upriver, often holding in tidewater or riffles before pushing into spawning tributaries.
Caution
Like other salmon, they can carry anisakid parasites when raw; freeze or cook properly. Check local rules because some runs are heavily managed, and avoid consuming fish from polluted waters where advisories apply.
Fishing notes
Fish tidewater, river mouths, and lower river pools with drifting eggs or beads, or swing/strip bright flies and small jigs. Lighter leaders and natural drifts help in clear water; in colored water, pink, chartreuse, and orange often draw strikes.